His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, officiated the launch of the Islamic Tourism & Exhibition 2011 on March 16 in a ceremony held at the Darulifta Building in Jalan Pengiran Babu Raja, which houses the State Mufti’s Office and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Exhibition Gallery.
My most significant photography contribution to Brunei to be revealed & officially launched by His Majesty tomorrow at Islamic Tourism event
Yes, I’m officially over the moon about this exciting development by Brunei Tourism to promote Brunei’s places of historical or religious significance as well as the Sultanate’s Islamic way of life. The Islamic Tourism initiative began as a meeting at the 2010 ASEAN Tourism Form between Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources and Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, during which it was discussed that Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia should create respective Islamic Tourism packages that could complement each other in order to create a Trail of Islamic Civilization in South East Asia, allowing interested visitors to follow the development, progress and ancient and modern cultural practices of Islam throughout the Malay Archipelago. A year later, the initiative was energized into action: the Islamic Tourism & Exhibition 2011 event.
Sheikh Jamaluddin Mohamed “Cool.. glad to have you with us.. and thanks for all those wonderful shots of the manuscripts and artifacts… the promotion starts now!” — Facebook
Brunei’s official history tells that the first king to embrace Islam in Brunei was Awang Alak Betatar, who became Brunei’s first Sultan under the name of Muhammad Shah after his conversion in the 14th Century. However, historians have uncovered fascinating evidence that shows Islam reached Brunei shores even as far back as the 10th Century. — Page 5 | Islamic Tourism Brunei Darussalam brochure.
Being formally introduced to His Majesty by Sheikh Jamaluddin this morning was an awesome moment. HM was happy to know I'm Bruneian. 🙂 #fb